Police have released CCTV images of four people they want to speak to in connection with thefts from vulnerable people in Solihull.

On two occasions officers have received reports of a group of youths watching elderly people enter their PIN numbers while paying for goods and then stealing their bank cards.

In the first instance, an 80-year-old woman was approached by a group of youths while waiting at a bus stop in Warwick Road on December 19.

A member of the group told her she had dropped some cash and while she was distracted another reached into her handbag and stole her purse. A number of withdrawals were then made on her bank card totalling more than £2,500.

The second theft happened later on the same day. This time an 86-year-old man was targeted in the same way and his bank card was stolen. He later found that around £250 had been withdrawn from his account.

Officers believe that on both occasions the victims were watched entering their PIN as they paid for shopping at Morrisons, in George Road.

PC Laura Dumbleton-Jones, from Solihull police station, said: "These are despicable and cowardly crimes where vulnerable members of our community have been deliberately targeted.

"These cruel thieves struck right before Christmas and although neither of the victims were hurt they were shaken and upset by the thefts.

"We are appealing to members of the public to help us identify the people in the images, if you have any information please come forward and contact us.

"Residents are reminded to always keep their personal belongings secure while out shopping and report any suspicious activity to police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about the thefts should call police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.